●
Jul
26
Protesters block roads and riot police respond over plans for refuge
Posted by Editor | July 26, 2011 | Tags: Community News, Government and Politics | 5 Comments
Burning tires at roadblock last night
Police and protesters today, photo courtesy of Periódico El Limonsense
There have been several road blocks reported that started last night by protesters who are apparently angry over the government’s plans to restrict development and demolish several existing hotels and homes within the Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge that do not conform to the plan.
There have been reports of felled trees and rocks blocking the road at several locations. At the worst location, the bridge at Hone Creek heading towards Cahuita, there were also burning tires and black smoke could be seen from miles away.
Some of the roadblocks have now been cleared but others are apparently still up and riot police were called in to clear the protest.
Formalizing of the plans for the refuge is a long simmering issue within the community and the hotels Las Palmas and Suerres have been threatened with demolition.
More:
- Periódico El Limonsense: Vecinos de Gandoca, Manzanillo, protestan contra expropiaciones
- Teletica 7: Desalojo en el Caribe Sur enfrenta a vecinos con las autoridades
- Talamanca News Feb 8: Is there too much protected land in Talamanca?
Jul
11
Volunteer and Donation Driven Effort Begun to Renovate Police Station
Posted by Editor | July 11, 2011 | Tags: Community News | 2 Comments
Volunteers at the first day of the volunteer effort to renovate the police station. The used bottles are being used to create a grey water drainage field.
Local individuals and businesses have begun a volunteer led effort to renovate the Puerto Viejo Police station with the aim of making the station a better and more efficient place to work.
The effort is being taken as one of the many efforts to improve security in the area.
The project is aiming to do it’s work primarily through donated labor and materials.
\Here is the list of materials that are needed to get started on the renovation of the police station. So now is the time to go look in your bodega and see if you have anything to contribute. Even if you have things that are not on the list and think they can be of use, let us know. We are also looking for any skilled carpenters, welders, plumbers and electricians, as well as general laborers, that are willing to donate their time. Please give Rami Zein a call, 8985-6652, to let us know what you can contribute.
Wood – Laurel
7 pieces 2” x 4” x 4 barras
2 pieces 2” x 10” x 2 barras
200 barras of ½” x 2” (for lattice work)
20 barras of 2” x 3”
Metal
24 sheets corrugated metal (3.66 m) #28
15 square steel structural tubes, galvanized 2 x 3 x 1/16
5 square steel structural tubes, galvanized 3 x 3 x 1/16
3 zinc roofing covers (1.83 m) #28
2 welded wire mesh (2.35 x 6m)
5 welding sticks – Hilco 6013-3/32
8 1” round metal tubes (for cell bars)
6 rectangular metal tubes (1.2 x 25.4 x 50.8mm)
Electrical/Plumbing
31 tubes for electrical cables – ½”
18 unions for electrical cable tubes – ½”
25 curved unions for electrical cable tubes – ½”
70 m cable #12
50 m cable TSJ 2×12
15 m cable TSJ 3×12
1 breaker #15
4 breakers #20
12 mountable light sockets 4”
12 double outlets
3 ½” PVC stopcocks
1 pump designed for wells – half horsepower with a 20 liter tank
Fibrolit
10 sheets – 12mm
6 sheets – 9 mm
Paint
2 gallons oil-based paint – dark blue
3 gallons oil-based paint – white
2 quarts paint for metal – red
1 liter turpintine
Nails/Screws/etc.
100 insulated plastic staples with nails for electical cable
50 1” screws for gipsun
200 2” drillbit screws for metal roofing
Concrete
3 bags of Concretemix
10 cement panels (1.1 m)
Additional
2 rolls of electrical tape #33
4 3” paintbrushes
1 14” disc to cut metal
1 9” disc to cut concrete
2 heavyduty padlocks with 2 6” padlock bases
3 pairs of metal hinges B13 industrial
1 4oz container of PVC glue
4 meters of gravel
Table
We need a carpenter who can build a long table for eating – wood provided
8 plastic chairs
Money
Cash donations are welcomed. Although we are hoping to do this project mostly through donated materials and labour, we may still have to buy some items and hire some specialized labour. Every little bit helps. Donations can be made to the CATCAS Banco de Costa Rica account or Puerto Viejo Satellite will process credit card donations and pass them on to the project net of credit card fees, just go to the donate page and choose other project to support.
And a big THANK YOU to community members who have already donated:
Manuel Pinto, Nick Varnum, Janet Jones, Rami Zein, Blanca Widmer, Clint Kapp, Nina Neidhart, Liam Montgomery, Selda Kmc
Jun
29
Playa Negra Croc Captured and Relocated
Posted by Editor | June 29, 2011 | Tags: Environment, Nature | Comments Off
This morning at around 5.30 am, a dog seems to have cornered the crocodile and continued barking until a local resident spotted the crocodile. The dog didn’t back off, the police were called and before you know there is a crowd there trying to find out what’s going on.
The police then left an officer there to make sure no one would harm the animal and called MINAE, the environment ministry. Before MINAE arrived at about 9 am, some bystanders had caught the crocodile. When MINAE officials arrived, the group helped them load the crocodile in the MINAE truck.
MINAE then took the crocodile to Puerto Vargas in Cahuita National Park where they will release it in a river. According to them it looks like it is a female looking for a place to lay her eggs.
There was some speculation that the multiple sightings over the last few days were more than one animal. So keep your eyes open in case there’s more to this story.
The crocodile pre-capture:
Catching a crocodile is a community event in Puerto Viejo:
Loading in the croc taxi:
Jun
27
Pictures of the Playa Negra Crocodile
Posted by Editor | June 27, 2011 | Tags: Critter of the week | 6 Comments
A number of people have spotted this crocodile (or is it a caiman?), which is about 6 to 7 feet in length, on Playa Negra.
This shows you how close nature can be in Costa Rica!
They’re really not that dangerous to humans, we’re bigger than the prey they like. While it has been a long while since anyone can remember one of this size in this area, when this has occurred in Manuel Antonio the only time a human has been harmed is when a surfer actually bumped into one in the water.
But I did see it take a small dog in front of my hotel in Manuel Antonio so please take care with your pets and make sure they are on leash on Playa Negra.
The appropriate environmental authorities have been notified at MINAE who will decide if it represents a risk to people and needs to be relocated.
And now the pictures you’ve been waiting for:
And here he is swimming in the surf:
Jun
25
Cocles Lifeguard Program Faces Funding Crisis
Posted by Editor | June 25, 2011 | Tags: Community News, Helping Out | Comments Off
The Cocles Lifeguard program is again facing a funding crisis that may cause the program to be suspended if additional funds cannot be raised.
As of June 5, the program account had a deficit balance of 24,127 colones and generally runs short about 75,000 colones each month unless there are special donations or fundraising events to cover the difference.
The lifeguard program receives no government support, it is supported only by donations from supporting businesses and individuals.
Please see the www.Cocles.org page for the latest information on the program and which businesses are regular supporters. Let local businesses you see on the list know that you appreciate their support for the program which has saved many lives in its almost 10 years of existence.
To make a donation, the donation page gives options for how you can support the program through regular monthly donations or via a one-time bank deposit or credit card donation (Puerto Viejo Satellite will process any donations received and pass them on to the program).
Jun
23
Tourists report problems at Caribbean Bus Terminal
Posted by Editor | June 23, 2011 | Tags: Transport | 4 Comments
Terminal Caribe in San Jose. Photo by Saphira.A number of tourists have contacted local travel company Gecko Trail Adventures about dishonest or unsafe behaviour at the Caribbean bus terminal in San José or onboard the MEPE buses to San Jose. We at the Talamanca News are concerned about the safety of the tourists visiting us and so we ask that customers report problems and keep in mind the following safety tips.
One of the problems is very aggressive pirate taxi drivers who harass customers coming off the bus offering them an onward ride to their hotel or their airport. Sometimes they even grab their luggage and try and take it directly to their vehicles. This usually ends up with the customer being horribly overcharged and at the mercy of the pirate taxi driver. We remind everyone that they should never get into an unmarked cab, either at the Caribbean Bus Terminal, the airport or anywhere else unless they have prebooked the ride with a reputable agency or hotel desk and the driver is waiting there with their name displayed. If they have not prebooked a ride, then they should only use the marked red taxis and make sure they use their meter. All licensed taxis in San Jose are red with appropriate taxi markings and must have an operating taxi meter and must use it. If the meter is not turned on you may ask them to “ponga la maría por favor”.
There have also been reports of customers looking for their prebooked / prepaid driver and the pirate taxi drivers pretending to be their driver. Any prebooked transport should have the name of the person they are picking up. Again, they should have a sign or at least a receipt with your name on it.
There have also been reports that in some instances the MEPE company or some of the drivers of the MEPE buses are not acting in a honest, safe and responsible manner. The kinds of incidents we’ve heard reported include:
• Some tourists have reported the driver just disappearing on arrival in San Jose and leaving a free-for-all with the luggage. This obviously does not feel very secure especially when pirate taxis and touts are circling. The driver of your bus is also responsible for unloading luggage from the bus and making sure people get their items so this is not acceptable.
• Drivers using their phone during the ride to either make calls or send text messages
• Selling tickets to clients to stand the whole ride and then charging the full fare
• Charging extra for your luggage when you want to put it in the luggage hold below the bus. This is illegal as by law you’re allowed up to 2 pieces luggage included in your ticket cost.
For the most part we find buses in Costa Rica to be easy to use, professional and very affordable. These complaints have been forwarded to the various agencies and action is being taken to resolve them. If you’ve seen any of these behaviors or others you can share your experiences in the comments here or on the Puerto Viejo facebook page discussion board. Adding specific information such as the date and schedule of the bus and bus numbers or photos of the incident or people involved would be particularly helpful.
Jun
19
Second Annual Walter Ferguson Festival in Cahuita
Posted by Editor | June 19, 2011 | Tags: Community Calendar, Entertainment | Comments Off
| July 4, 2011 | to | July 10, 2011 |
The second annual Walter Ferguson Festival will take place in Cahuita from the 4th to the 10th of July.
The festival honors calypso legend and Cahuita native son Walter Ferguson with Live music, painting, theater, dance, calypso, literature, poetry, and many more Afro-Caribbean and Indigenous Cultural Events.
Sponsored by the DInamica Empresarial, Caribe Communication, and the Development Association of Cahuita.
For more information call 8892 2895 or email caribecomunicacion2@gmail.com
Thanks to ATEC for the heads up on this.
Jun
16
Next meeting about water treatment facility set for July 7
Posted by Editor | June 16, 2011 | Tags: Community Calendar, Environment | 1 Comment
| July 7, 2011 | ||
| 3:00 pm | to | 6:00 pm |
There is broad community support for getting a proper water treatment facility operating in Puerto Viejo but the community still has many questions about the location, the methods used and how it will affect its neighbors if it is built in the proposed Cocles location.
The next community meeting with AyA and MINAE is the place to bring your questions and get more informed about the project. It is set for July 7 at 3pm at the Cocles School.
You can see more information on the event and sign up for updates on the event’s facebook page. You can also subscribe to the facebook group for more discussion on the project.
Jun
15
Scheduled Flights to Resume to Limon
Posted by Editor | June 15, 2011 | Tags: Transport | 4 Comments
Starting sometime in July, there were will regular flights between San Jose and Limon on Sansa according to an announcement yesterday issued by the Casa Presidencial yesterday.
The initiative is part of the “Limón Ciudad Puerto” project which aims to revitalize the province.
A number of agencies and companies have come together to make this happen include the airline Sansa, the National Tourism Institute (ICT), the tourism chambers of Limon and of the South Caribbean, local governments and the Limon airport.
There are expected to be at least 4 flights per week with fares ranging between ¢30,000 ($60.00 US) and ¢75,000 ($150.00 US).
Sansa operates from the domestic terminal at the main international airport in San Jose so with a good connection from a morning flight, a visitor could easily be in Puerto Viejo or Cahuita by lunchtime.
As soon as schedules are posted, the Talamanca News will update you here.
More: La Nación: Turismo podrá volar a Limón a partir de julio
Jun
12
Cocles Neighbors Confront AyA Over Water Treatment Plans
Posted by Editor | June 12, 2011 | Tags: Environment, Government and Politics | 1 Comment
AyA engineer Ana Martinez tries to answer questions from the residents of Cocles at a community meeting.
Residents of the Playa Cocles area are asking the Costa Rican Water Agency, Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (AyA), for more details on a planned water treatment facility.
While residents are supportive of improved water treatment plant they are critical of “lack of information and transparency” from AyA regarding the project and want to know more details about the facility and where it will be based. Plans for the treatment facility first came to light about a year ago when some local residents found AyA surveyors on their properties looking for sites for the facility.
On June 8, there was a community meeting to try and get some answers and residents asked many questions of the AyA representative.
In an interview published yesterday by La Nación, José Francisco Valverde also responded to questions about the project and why it is being proposed for Cocles instead of Puerto Viejo (where presumably most of the waste water will originate).
More:
- La Nación: Vecinos de Cocles enfrentan al AyA por planta de tratamiento
- La Nación: José Francisco Valverde, gerente de la Unidad ejecutora AyA/BCIE: ‘Será de la más alta tecnología’
Jun
8
Mexico’s Telehit TV Program Visits Caribe Sur This Weekend!
Posted by Editor | June 8, 2011 | Tags: Arts & Culture, Entertainment, Tourism | 1 Comment
The Telehit channel, part of the world’s largest Spanish language broadcaster Televisa, is visiting Costa Rica and will spend two days filming in the Caribe Sur this weekend. Telehit is a music and entertainment channel aimed at a youth audience.
The channel will film be filming for the Telehit Verano program in various locations on the Caribbean Coast. Locations will include various local beaches in both Puerto Viejo and Cahuita. They will visit the community of Yorkin to learn more about local indigenous cultures and put the spotlight on the local community’s goals to attract more tourism. They will take a snorkeling and dolphin watching tour. And they will film at segment on Caribbean nightlife on Friday night at KOKi Beach Restaurant in Puerto Viejo.
One focus of the program will be to discover the unique Caribbean food traditions.
On their way back to the coast, they will be doing the whitewater rafting trip on the Pacuare River.
Good luck and may we all put our best first forward this weekend!
May
26
Centro Educativo Playa Chiquita holds Gastro Fair & Multicultural Fundraiser
Posted by Zoë | May 26, 2011 | Tags: Community News, Helping Out | Comments Off
Delicious aromas wafted around the grounds of the school in Playa Chiquita Friday May 13th when they held a colourful multicultural fundraiser.
The mouth-watering smells were surpassed only by the taste of this internationally diverse buffet supplied by parents and available to visitors at modest prices. The event was organised to raise funds for further expansion and improvements at this well respected non-profit school.
Those attending were treated to a varied musical and dance programme featuring, amongst others, soloist Ed Mundo accompanied on the electric piano by Silvia, his wife, who is also music teacher at the school. Ed’s voice and the music filled the newly built classroom with wonderful renditions of a Bolivian song “Kapuri” followed by “Alfonsine y el Mar” and finishing with a melodic “Granada”.
However, the fun had only just begun! A Flamenco group of pupils gorgeously costumed in black and red, showed rhythm and flair, which suggested extensive rehearsal and their obvious enjoyment was matched by that of the audience.
Other acts included pupils singing ambitious and spirited versions of pop songs, enthusiastically performed to toe-tapping beats.
The evening was well attended not only by parents and friends but also by well-wishers showing support for this worthwhile cause. Centro Educativo is a non-profit organisation committed to continuous improvement of the educational standards offered to the children of this area. To achieve this, facilities need to be constantly upgraded and expanded.
Can YOU help build the next classroom?
Absolutely any Donation is helpful: just think what a difference it could make to these pupils schooldays if every person in the Puerto Viejo area gave a small amount of money!
If you can help with a donation, please email the school secretary, Stephanie Achenbaum at the following email address: asocepp@ymail.com or contact the school by telephone at 2750-0754. You can also follow them on facebook.
 Article by Zoë Courtier. Zoë along with her husband Tom Keller are the proprietors of Geckoes Rainforest River Lodge. Two luxurious holiday houses with private plunge pools in a magnificent rainforest and river setting minutes from Playa Cocles. More information at www.geckoeslodge.com |
THANK YOU on behalf of all the children at Centro Educativo in Playa Chiquita!
May
11
Route 32 reopens after slide but more closures likely
Posted by Editor | May 11, 2011 | Tags: Accidents and Natural Disasters, Transport | Comments Off
The latest slide damage. Photo courtesy of La NaciónA slide on Sunday once again closed route 32 between Limon and Guapiles.
The slide had closed the road at km 22. The debris field from the slide was 6 meters high and 50 meters wide and took several days to clear with the work being slowed down by the rain.
Route 32 is the main route between San Jose and the Caribbean Coast. When it is closed, travelers need to take route 10 via Turrialba. That route however is slow and windy and adds at least an hour to the trip.
Travelers should call 800-TRANSITO, option #1, option #4 (in Spanish) for the latest road information.
Transport officials are also recommending the people do not drive route 32 at night, especially when it is raining.
Mar
8
Saving Lives at Cocles Beach
Posted by Editor | March 8, 2011 | Tags: Accidents and Natural Disasters, Helping Out | Comments Off
An idyllic day at the beach almost turned deadly for Canadian tourist Bonnie W. in January when she got caught in a rip current at Cocles Beach (Playa Cocles), south of Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica.
The lifeguard who performed the rescue at Cocles of Bonnie W.
“I was swimming when, suddenly, I realized I was very far away from the beach,” Bonnie said. “I tried to swim back to shore but I seemed to be stuck. I could feel myself getting sucked back further and further away from the shore. I started to panic.”
Bonnie was caught in a rip current — a powerful, narrow current of water that flows rapidly away from the shore, often at speeds in excess of 5 miles-per-hour (8 kilometers-per-hour). It is estimated that rip currents are responsible for about 80% of ocean drowning.
While a rip current often measures 200 feet (62 meters) to 2,500 feet (762 meters) in length, they are typically less than 30 feet (9 meters) wide. As a result, a person can often escape one by remaining calm and swimming parallel to the beach until the current loses strength. Once out of the rip current, they can then swim towards shore. However, many tourists unfamiliar with rip currents panic, and risk become exhausted and drowning.
“Had the lifeguard not been there, I could have drowned,” Bonny said. “I am so grateful to the lifeguard and the Playa Cocles Lifeguard Program.”
This sign explains how the flag system works to alert you to ocean conditions. A red flag indicates that it is too dangerous, stay out of the water. A yellow flag indicates that you should not go in above waist level. A green flag indicates safe swimming. Note that the blue flags seen on some beaches are an indication that the beach has been certified under Costa Rica’s “Bandera Azul” program for excellent water quality and beach cleanliness. It does not indicate ocean conditions.
Cocles Beach is the only lifeguard-patrolled beach on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Managed by volunteers, the program receives no government funding and relies on donations from local businesses, residents and tourists. That funding is often in short supply and the program has been temporarily suspended in the past when it was unable to raise the money needed to pay the lifeguards, who are paid ₡11,000 per day (approximately US$22).
The minimum monthly bill for running Playa Cocles Lifeguard Program is ₡660,000 (approximately US$1,320), which pays for two lifeguards a day. Its lifeguards have rescued more than 1,500 swimmers at Cocles beach since the service began.
Every donation helps – please support the Playa Cocles Lifeguard Program by making a donation (PayPal accepted). Local business owners in Puerto Viejo can also sign up to provide regular monthly support for the program. For more information, please email Eddie Ryan at La Costa de Papito. More information is available on the Cocles Lifeguard Program website.
Tips:
- Avoid rip currents by always swimming between the red and yellow flags.
- Do not swim alone. Have someone on the beach looking out for you.
- Avoid beaches that are not attended by lifeguards.
- If you find yourself caught in a rip current, stay calm. Conserve your energy by floating or treading water.
- Don’t fight the current by trying to swim back to shore directly against the rip – you could become exhausted and drown. Instead, try to swim parallel to the beach. Once you are out of the current, swim towards shore.
- If you cannot escape the rip, draw attention to yourself: face the shore, wave your arms and yell for help.
- If you see someone who is caught in a rip current, alert a lifeguard. If there is no lifeguard, throw them a floatation device or surf board. Do not go in after them!
| Article by Laura McLeod. Laura is a writer, editor and communications specialist in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She loves toucans, gallo pinto and dreams of moving to Costa Rica one day. lsoucek@shaw.ca. |
Mar
6
Scientific Research: Dangerous Dieffenbachia and the Use of Pee
Posted by Editor | March 6, 2011 | Tags: Nature, Tourism | Comments Off
All my life I’ve been a nature girl. I’ve hiked the Appalachian Trail and traipsed around Montana’s Rocky Mountains. Living in Costa Rica for three and a half years has qualified me for jungle woman status, as well. At least I thought so. I go barefoot, climb muddy slopes and at times, even act like a monkey. However, to be a real jungle woman you’ve got to survive the initiation. Experience, as always, is the best teacher and that is how I learn – the hard way.
In the jungle, common sense is key. I look first before I grab a tree branch because they say a bite from a Bullet Ant will knock you to the ground. I stay on clear trails so I can see what is underfoot. I use whatever common sense I can muster, but sometimes it just eludes me. That was the case one day at the waterfall, when I was attacked by a plant! It was my fault, really – I threw the first punch.
I’d found a nice flat rock in the middle of the stream, perfect for sunbathing. I thought I’d be like a real native and use the huge, heart shaped leaf of a philodendron plant for a mat to lay on. I grabbed hold of the stem and tore off the leaf as a young boy sat by and watched. Immediately I tossed the leaf away, “Aye, huele malo! (it smells bad)” I exclaimed. The kid laughed.
Soon my hands began to tingle. I washed them in the stream but it made no difference. The tingling grew into painful pin pricks. Born and raised nearby, my little friend knew what was happening to me. I told him if I died to please return my dog to my daughter. He told me not to worry, I’d survive, but it may take all day for the pain to subside. The pain was mostly gone in two hours but some tingling lingered into the next morning. The places that had come into direct contact with the sap were swollen, red and sore. The second day, a rash appeared in random areas on my hands and forearms. For the next ten days the rash diminished in some areas and showed up in others. This plant was potent and it’s poison was still in my system.
When I told of my alarming plant experience, everyone wanted to know what kind of plant it was. I had no photo and a description from my memory was of little use. So with a friend and my camera I went back to the waterfall. We asked some locals and were told that there are various poisonous plants in the jungle. They pointed out a few, right where we were standing. With thick, green stems and large, flat leaves, they all looked alike to me. To establish a correct identity, I would have to go back to the very same plant that got me. As we headed out we were warned about the milk of the plant and told, “If you get it on your skin you must pee on it.”
Off we trudged, up to the waterfall. There had been lots of rain, in recent days and the river was flowing fast. As we trekked through the damp, profuse herbage, I scanned a million different kinds of plants, many similar to the creepy one, yet all looking deceptively innocent. We crossed the rocky creek a few more times and then scampered up hill to the waterfall. The fifty foot falls rushed, surged and blasted water over the rocks and down the side of the mountain. It was pounding furiously, throwing tons of water per second.
The plant in question was above the waterfall. It looked different than I remembered. The leaves were not heart shaped, but long and oval. And it was not a philodendron. To be absolutely certain it was the plant I was looking for, I covered my fingers for protection and snapped the stem. Out seeped white sap that stunk to high heaven: this was it! After taking pictures at every possible angle, I made my way back to Ricky. Together we descended the high trail.
Down at the bottom I noticed a smaller version of the plant I’d seen above the waterfall. I pointed it out to Ricky. Secretly hoping he would grab a leaf so I could have him test the Pee Theory, I told him, “The only way I’d know for sure if this is the same one, is if I smelled it.” Honestly, I didn’t want him to get hurt but before I could stop him, Ricky broke off a leaf for me to smell. It was the same plant as the nasty one that had gotten me. The smell was so distinctive there was no mistake about it.
“Watch out for the sap!” I cautioned. Too late – it was already on his fingers. “Now you’ll have to pee on your hands – go ahead and do it. You’re the scientific experiment.” I told him. He turned away and he did it. The Pee Theory was tried and found true. Ricky didn’t complain of any discomfort after that.
When I got home, I was heartened to hear that Gringos are not the only ones who learn from unpleasant experience around here. My landlord, Charlie Bull, an old guy who’s lived here all his life, has tangled with this plant before. I showed him my photos. He had no doubt as to what it was, “We call it Dumb Cane.” I looked it up and that is indeed what my plant appears to be: more formally called Dieffenbachia. Several sources on the internet said:
This herb is often found in river valleys and on steep slopes. Freshly cut parts are very skin irritating. After one day rashes develop. Irreversible skin damage is possible. (Fortunately that did not happen.) When brought into the eye, the sap can cause injury of the cornea. All parts of this plant are very poisonous when ingested. Some investigators claim that Dieffenbachia contains an active enzyme that can cause suffocation through swelling of the throat and larynx.
Mr. Bull expounded on his experience with this toxic plant. In his younger years he owned a large cocoa plantation. “I know this plant, it was all the time on the farm,” he said in his native patois. “When they chop (clear vegetation) you don’t know it’s there and you walk through. It get on your feet. OOH! It hurt something terrible!” I asked about the pee advice I’d been given earlier that day. Bull was not at all surprised. “Yes,” he replied, “Well, pee really work for everything. It work for the plant and if you go in the ocean and something pinch you, pee on that and it take away the pain. They say if you have good pee, it even make a wash for the eye.”
These “wake up calls” have engendered all kinds of learning experiences for me, in Costa Rica. I was once, bit by a scorpion but scared more than injured. I saw a Terciopelo slithering on the jungle path ahead and learned how to avoid Costa Rica’s most dangerous snake. There has never been any serious injury or lasting damage – only enough danger to scare me. This will make me think twice before accosting a plant. And I’ll be sure to drink lots of water in case of a pee emergency.
 Article by Lisa Valencia. Lisa moved to Costa Rica in 2007. She is an artist and also provides personal guide services. “I believe in living life to the absolute fullest. I believe in giving without regard to what you get. And I am thankful, grateful and appreciative of almost every little thing in every moment of life.” You can read more at her blog www.travelexperiencecostarica.com where a longer version of this article originally appeared. |
|
|
| |
| |
